Folk musician Beth Porter tells TIM HUGHES why playing the ukulele is now very cool – yes, really

It’s official: folk is cool. After years of jibes and jokes, English roots music is enjoying its rightful place as something to be proud of.

A new breed of musicians are turning an art form synonymous with beards and tankards into a sexy, rhythmic soundtrack for a generation jaded with mainstream pop and rock.

And among them is Beth Porter. Playing the cello and ukulele (probably the least rock & roll instruments in any musician’s arsenal) Beth has helped transform the way we think about folk and those who play it.

“It’s true, folk is definitely cool,” she says. “It’s really nice that it’s changing and, with it, people’s attitudes. There are some great little venues and festivals, and bands like Bellowhead are getting the recognition they deserve.

“Lots of people before would have said it’s not for them, but are now enjoying it.

“The cello, especially, is an amazing instrument,” she adds. “It’s so versatile. It makes a beautiful sound, which appeals to a lot of people, and doesn’t interrupt the singer. It also works well with a guitar. It’s also easy to write music for, in terms of structure and chords.”

And the ukulele? “Well, like folk, the ‘uke’ has had a bit of a bad reputation and is still seen as a comedy instrument. People still think of George Formby. But it depends what you do with it – and it’s certainly easier to carry around than a cello!”

Emerging from the Bath folk scene Beth’s sublime vocals, dreamy string arrangements and engaging stage presence have endeared her to an audience who might previously have considered themselves too cool for folk.

She plays with an ever-changing line-up of seasoned musicians. Forced to rely on those artists who are free from other work commitments, she called them, reasonably enough, The Availables.

“The band came about because I chose to get a few musicians together when they weren’t busy on other things. “In one weekend we had to get a whole band together. They were the only ones who were available, so the name stuck.”

For Beth, who has more than 60 album credits on a wide spectrum of genres, and who has played with everyone from Eliza Carthy to Kula Shaker, it’s endlessly fascinating.

“I had been playing the cello for years, but then realised I could also write my own songs – which I started doing five years ago,” she says. “I’m influenced as much by classical music as folk, though. If you are used to traditional folk songs my music can sound surprising, but if you like ‘new folk’ you’ll love it.”

Despite her love of the cello, she admits to feeling dwarfed by her instrument on stage.

“I’m 30 but look a lot younger,” she smiles. “I’m also quite small so when you look at me playing you can only see my feet! My ukulele on the other hand looks like a guitar on me.”

On Saturday, January 19, Beth returns to Oxford to headline The Cellar’s Irregular Folk night. She will be joined by Laura Moody, best known for her work with contemporary experimental outfit Elysian Quartet, and Barney Morse-Brown – one half of Duotone and the cellist for Imagined Village and Handmade Life. The night is the brainchild of promoter Vez Hoper, who, to make the night special, is laying on special ales, the James St Tavern’s famously-good sausage rolls and a luscious, lavishly-decorated setting – transforming the usually rough-and-ready subterranean nightspot into a pastoral paradise.

“Vez is fantastic, and it’s going to be a lovely event,” says Beth. “I love the idea that the place is going to be full of cellos. “The only problem is going to be getting my instruments up and down all those stairs. At the end of the night there will probably be a cello jam!”

Beth Porter plays Irregular Folk at The Cellar on Saturday January 19.
Doors at 7.30pm.
For tickets go to wegottickets.com